Preparing for your teacher training interview can feel daunting, but you can set yourself up for success by focusing on the things you can control. In this guide you’ll find out how to prepare for your teacher training interview.
Here are some tips from the people who know the process inside out – the teachers and school leaders who will be interviewing you. Michaela, Rosetta and Charlie work with our local partners where you will train to teach in school. Their advice will help you approach your interview confidently and passionately.
1) Prepare and use your notes
Preparation is key to feeling confident ahead of your interview. It’s perfectly acceptable – and often helpful – to bring notes along with you.
Use them to remind yourself of key points you want to make or questions you want to ask. The people interviewing you will see this as a sign of your commitment and organisation.
“We know that preparing for the interview process will take a lot of hard work. Please don't leave all that hard work at home. Any notes that you have, make sure that you put them in a way that is easy to digest and easy to use during the interview itself,” recommends Michaela from Lime Trust.
Two women sit at a table smiling at each other. There is a desk with a computer in the background.
2) Structure your answers to highlight your strengths
Make sure your answers cover these themes:
- Self-awareness and reflection – clearly describe the situation and your strengths and areas for improvement in that situation. Reflect on what you learned.
- Taking responsibility – tell the interviewers specifically how you were involved in your examples and show how you took ownership of the outcomes.
- Collaboration and working with others – whether it’s by delegating, sharing responsibilities or simply asking for advice, show the interviewers how you worked with others to reach a shared goal.
- Commitment to growth – development is key for teachers, so the interviewers want to see that you’re happy to reflect and grow in your work.
3) Be yourself and share your why
Interviewers want to get to know the real you. Avoid second-guessing what they’re looking for.
Be authentic and let your genuine passion for teaching come through. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to show who you are and why you want to teach. Be ready to explain your motivation and let your enthusiasm shine.
Sharing your story helps the people interviewing you see what drives you. Real stories are much more memorable than general statements so include them whenever possible.
“Clearly articulate why you want to become a teacher. What inspires you about education? How do you envision making a difference in the lives of your pupils? Personal anecdotes can make your motivation more relatable and memorable,” suggests Rosetta from London District East Teaching School Hub.
4) Treat the interview as a learning opportunity
Not everything will go perfectly, and that is okay. See the interview as a chance to learn about training to teach and about yourself. Be open and reflective. If you’re unsure about something or feel nervous, let the people interviewing you know. They have been in your position and will understand how you feel.
“It's an opportunity for you to learn about the course, for you to learn about your own journey as a teacher and what you might need to develop moving forward. So ensure that you're really reflective, open and honest with your interview panel and if there's anything that you're finding a little bit daunting or tricky, speak to them so they can give you some reassurance on the day,” Michaela says.
5) Ask thoughtful questions
Your interview is a two-way process.
Prepare questions about the course, what support there is or what to expect during your training. This shows that you’re curious and helps you make an informed decision about your next steps.
“Plan your questions. It might be questions about a bursary. It might be questions about what a typical day in the life of a trainee would look like. Your interview is as much for you as it is for us. It’s for you to find out about all of the support that is available to you during your teacher training year,” says Charlie from Advance Teacher Training.
Every teacher started where you are now. With preparation, openness and a willingness to learn, you can approach your interview with confidence. Good luck – you are one step closer to shaping the future of education.
